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Published: December 11th 2007
Just a quick update from Murrin Murrin after having been here now for around 3 months. My how time flys on by.
Our typical day here consists of waking, working 12 hours, eating (maybe the odd bevvie or two on a special night!), sleeping, waking… By the 14th day it really is time for the one week off.
The temperature is heating on up here and yesterday the unofficial temperature was reported to be 46oC. It has definitely been the hottest day so far. I find it bad enough when I am working outside, but poor old Dami, having escaped the ’heat of Hawke’s Bay’ (in NZ) is now having to suit up in this weather in a protective acid suit. It’s an all in one overall number, made up of a gortex type of material which doesn’t breath!
Damien has always been a gadgets man. But now, instead of a tool belt hanging off him, he has the suit, a full gas mask, the gas monitor, earmuffs, hard hat (with secret iPod inside), a cooling gel vest thingy (which you soak in water), a camelback (drinking water bladder which straps on your back), and a fly net!
Damien's Work
The Processing PlantThe tools are now wheeled around site in two toolboxes!
With the heat brings the flies. The irritating bush flies which crawl around your face. Don’t breath in too fast - they’re sure to be there right at that time. We also have our resident Bungarras. Big lizards - waiting around corners to scare the bejesus out the unsuspecting! Rumour has it they can climb you using their claws to assist on their way up!
We spent one of our weeks off, back home (a very fleeting visit so apologies for the non-contact), spending time with the family and helping look after our two gorgeous nephews Owen and Louie. Reid grandchildren number to double shortly with two more on the way in April and June - not from us though.
Damien had a job prospect with one of the large mining firms here - Rio Tinto. As part of the recruitment process the company flew both of us to one of their residential minesites in the Pilbara region up north, Parabadoo, for a day trip to look at the mine and the town. The idea is to check whether you, the prospective employee, would be happy living
The Sulphur Pit
One of the reasons for leaving Murrin there - prior to the company forking out to relocate you and spending loads of time on paperwork. I can’t remember which Aussie film this quote comes from - maybe Muriel’s Wedding - but quite frankly “I’d rather eat razorblades” than live in Parabadoo! So we chose not to take the job, but we did get a personal tour of the mine (very nice people), our very own unit to ‘relax in’, and a nice flight over the Pilbara - so it wasn’t too bad.
On our most recent R&R we headed south to Margaret River, a gorgeous spot full of wineries, galleries and beaches.
We are currently on our last ‘swing’ at Murrin Murrin and on the 13th Dec we take off to NZ for one week, then on to Ireland etc for 5 weeks including Christmas/ NY/ 2 births/ 1 wedding!!
We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Cheers to that! Love Steph and Damo
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Brocky
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brilliant
I just loooove your blogs stephie. You are such a great writer. Am still laughing at las pict and comment. Off to Bradand Tarsh's wedding this week. Ye har. Have a great Christmas in Ireland and look forward to catching up soon. Love Brocky and Dog